Local leaders react after 3-year-old boy seriously hurt in shooting on Milwaukee's north side

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A 3-year-old boy who was shot and seriously injured on Milwaukee's north side Thursday night has prompted strong reactions among local leaders Friday.

According to Milwaukee police, the shooting took place at approximately 9:03 p.m. near N. 76th Street and W. Silver Spring Drive Thursday, May 16.

Authorities said the toddler was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries.

The mother of the 3-year-old victim told CBS 58 in a Facebook message Friday afternoon, identifying the boy as her son -- Isaiah Brooks. She said her son is still recovering from a procedure meant to find any bullet fragments inside his body, adding that none were found. 

"How many times do we have to see stories, whether it’s a non-fatal shooting or a fatal shooting, that kids are shot, and we do nothing?" expressed Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson at a press conference Friday.

Mayor Johnson added that many gun incidents are preventable. 

"That simply should not happen. It shouldn't happen in Milwaukee, it shouldn't happen in Wisconsin, it shouldn't happen anywhere across the United States," he said.

According to the latest Milwaukee Homicide Review Commission database, there have been at least eight other shootings this year involving those under the age of 17 (seven non-fatal and one fatal).

While police have not yet disclosed how it happened or what led up to Thursday night's shooting, the mayor had a message for gun owners.

"You have a responsibility to make sure that your gun is stored away, you have a responsibility to make sure that your gun has a lock on it, you have a responsibility to make sure that your gun is not within reach of a child, because when you don't do that, these are the things that happen," he said.

State Senator LaTonya Johnson also said at a press conference Friday that part of the responsibility, when it comes to preventing gun violence, lies on state lawmakers to do more.

"We are hired to legislate right here in Wisconsin, and when our people are hurt, that is our opportunity to step up to the plate and do something," she said.

MPD continues to investigate this incident and asks the public to help locate the known suspect. Anyone with information is urged to contact police at 414-935-7360. You can also report anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS, or by using the P3 Tips online service.